I assume most of us have never met or know Colin Kaepernick, the controversial quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kaepernick has been kneeling or sitting during the playing of the national anthem before preseason games. He continues to do that as a protest of police brutality and the oppression of African Americans.

Protests at sporting events and other celebrity events is nothing new. But the cries of injustice have been more vocal than they have been in years. Teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged have been protesting reports of aggressive police behavior directed towards minorities.

The shouts have been louder and the protests have become more frequent due to the shooting deaths of minority suspects by police. Locally, the Laquan McDonald shooting near 49th and Pulaski in Chicago has drawn national attention. The reason for the outcries is that these incidents have been recorded by police cameras and by witnesses.

Police administrators are attempting to deal with the onslaught of complaints and protests due to these recorded images that in several instances have not shown officers reacting to these incidents in the best of light.

This is an emotional issue that tugs at most of us. My father was a Chicago firefighter and I have relatives and friends who are police officers. No one has to tell me that first responders have a tough job. Police officers are often in the line of danger.

While I agree with the Blue Lives Matter movement and the neighborhood gatherings saluting the bravery and commitment of police officers, I think everyone needs to see the whole picture. For far too long, some incidents by some rogue cops have been swept under the rug. It took a security videotape several years ago to show an off-duty police officer beating a diminutive female bartender in a Chicago tavern. Without the tape, this officer would have never been prosecuted.

A police officer’s job is difficult and more dangerous than ever. For the majority of police officers who perform their jobs admirably, an overhaul in how administrators train new recruits and make more personnel more accountable to the public will eventually be best for everyone. And for critics and protestors of police, I want to remind them not to paint all of these officers with one brush. Split-second decisions have to be made during encounters with suspects. The end result is not always the best outcome. But is not always the fault of the police.

And then there is Kaepernick. He was born in 1987 in Milwaukee and was described as a biracial child. He became the adoptive son of white parents Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, also of Milwaukee. The family moved to California four years later where Kaepernick starred in baseball and football in high school.

He starred as a quarterback for University of Nevada Reno and was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers. While star quarterback Alex Smith was recovering from a series of concussions, Kaepernick’s first start was a crushing defeat of the Bears. He started in the Super Bowl in 2013 but the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens. He continued to put up good numbers in 2014 but struggled in 2015. Kaepernick had a reputation of an erratic arm that negated his great running ability. This season, he is the second-string quarterback.

I’m only providing his football background because I’m not sure what advantage his current opposition against the national anthem serves him. It will not get his starting job back. Many critics, as in the case of athletes who speak out on social issues, criticize Kaepernick. He is viewed as a self-absorbed athlete that should give up his lucrative salary if he is fed up with America.

For the record, it should be pointed out that the 49ers brass support Kaepernick’s right to protest. He has his backers, including former basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who said his protest was “highly patriotic.”

It should also be pointed out that Kapernick’s protest is aimed at certain police officers and not the military, which he holds in high regard.

The bottom line here is that it is Kaepernick’s constitutional right to protest. Compare this to say Michael Jordan, who only recently spoke out about police shootings. During his basketball career, Jordan rarely spoke out about anything and seemed more concerned about protecting his many business interests.

That’s not a criticism of Jordan, it’s just a fact. Sports fans and other Americans get uneasy when athletes express their opinions. Whether you agree or disagree with Kaepernick’s stand, it has people talking about an uncomfortable subject. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also sat down before the national anthem during a preseason game. Eric Reid, a safety for the 49ers, also kneeled before the playing of the national anthem during a preseason game.

But Kaepernick is the one under the microscope. I believe there are other ways Kaepernick could have made his protest. But he chose this one and that takes some courage because the overall opinions are negative. The Santa Clara police, where the 49ers play, are so angry they have threatened to boycott working the games.

Perhaps in time the opinions of Kaepernick will change. But for right now, he has made his stand and it is not a popular one.

Keeping up with the Joneses is an expression of comparison to one's neighbor used to figuratively measure social class or the accrual of material goods.

In this case, the Joneses are the Jarretts, as in Neal and Jessica Jarrett of Evergreen Park. They’ve lived smackdab next door to my husband, Don, and me since we moved on this block back in 2005. A local builder demolished a modest house sitting on a large lot and built two, medium sized, newly constructed homes. The Jarretts snatched one and we swiped the other.

During the time our offers were accepted, both houses were in their infancy stages of being built. Therefore, we were able to customize certain aspects. Each of us found ourselves often visiting the construction sites. With each encounter, we’d discover more about one another.

I said to Don, “What’s the likelihood we have this much in common? Neal and Jessica’s birthdays are the same month as mine, our wedding anniversaries are one day apart, and they dated four years prior to marriage -- just like us!”

Similarities began to manifest in our home selections as well. Once we moved in – them in September of 2005 and us on December -- I noticed we even had parallels in décor. I honestly couldn’t distinguish if we were influencing each other’s purchases or if we were just that much alike?

After living next door a few years, our differences became quite obvious. For starters, no matter how hard we tried, our lawn wasn’t ever quite as nice as theirs. “Don, Honey, did you try that new fertilizer we discussed?” While gazing out an upstairs bedroom window I whined, “Neal and Jessica’s grass just looks so much greener.”

Have you heard the saying, ‘this house doesn’t look lived in?” as in, it’s so clean and beautifully arranged people couldn’t possibly dwell there? Yeah, that’s the Jarretts' house. And, when anything within their home needed to be repaired, you didn’t witness a handyman pulling into their driveway. Neal, a licensed tradesman, could fix anything. When things malfunctioned in our home my frequent statement was, “Babe, can you call Neal?”

Never mind keeping up with the Jarretts, sometime you have to recognize when a person’s skill set or abilities supersede yours. Instead of competing with them, employ them!

I can’t recall one instance Neal didn’t come when Don and I needed him, except last November. Don had had a medical procedure that required him to stay in the hospital a few days. I wanted to surprise him by taking a few ‘honey-do-list’ items off his plate. Having just returned home from visiting Don, I saw Jessica pulling into her driveway simultaneously. Because of our sisterly friendship I knew she didn't mind me asking Neal for favors. But out of respect I’d never asked him directly. I found it more appropriate to go through her. “Hey Jess, do you think Neal might be able to come by and do a few things for us," I asked? "Don’s in the hospital.”

I didn’t expect her response.

“Sorry to hear that, but Neal is in the hospital also,” she replied. As generous at heart as she is, she followed with, “What kind of work is it? Maybe you and I can do it?”

There was no chance of that, I know my gifts and carpentry isn’t one of them.

Jessica and I spent the next several minutes going on about our husband’s ailments, finding yet another commonalty in life’s journey. Neal’s recovery didn’t go as expected. He's spent the last several months being checked in and out of hospitals -- fighting valiantly for his life. Tragically, on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 2:30 p.m., he surrendered this life and transitioned to the next.

Neal was 49 years old and leaves to cherish his wife Jessica of 16 years; four children, Brandon, 25; Myrisha, 25; Shannon, 21; and Jasmine, 15. He also has a 4-year-old grandbaby named Mariah, who called him, ‘Papa’.

Over the previous 11 years I’ve watched the Jarretts work hard for what they have, give generously to those in need and go out of their way to help others. I’ve admired their playful love for one another and the dedication they’ve put into parenting their children and even children they didn’t birth. I’ve been there during birthdays, proms and graduation celebrations. And I’ve been there when they’ve mourned loved ones who’ve gone before them. First we were neighbors, then we became friends, now we’re family.

Please keep the entire Jarrett family in your prayers during this difficult time. And, allow me to encourage you to do something kind for your neighbor today. It could be the last time you see them.

Some random thoughts went through my mind as we quickly approach Labor Day. The first obvious thought was that I would have the day off. Of course, there could be a breaking news story somewhere or some photos may need to be taken. You are never really off in this business.

I can’t say that I have any special feeling when Labor Day approaches. When I was young, I knew it was my last day of summer vacation. I shared those depressing thoughts in last week’s column. By Labor Day, I grew to accept the fact that school was on the horizon. The next day was kind of exciting in that you were eager to see who was in your class.

You have an opportunity to meet up with some friends that you have not seen in a while. On the other hand, you might be in a class with your close friends. That meant you had someone to goof off with for the next coming year. That made school more palatable for me.

Besides school, no specific memories come to mind about Labor Day. As we get older we realize the importance of Labor Day as we recognize and salute the American worker. I think I’m more aware today how important that is as opposed to when I was young.

Parades may be occurring in certain suburbs and communities in Chicago as residents are reminded that we should honor the American workforce. Labor Day also represents the unofficial end of summer. When I entered my classroom for the first day of school, in my mind summer was over. Actually, summer continues until the middle of September. The first day of fall this year is Thursday, Sept. 22.

So, we actually have many summer days ahead. But on Labor Day, we feel the tug of autumn. That’s why some of us have friends or relatives come over for the last summer bash. That is why we set up the grill one more time. Brats, hamburgers and chicken sounds good on Labor Day.

Speaking about football doesn’t seem early anymore. The high school football season already began this past weekend. Reports on the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks will soon be appearing on TV. And if you step into some stores now, you will begin to see some shelves stocked with more candy. Halloween is no longer a day, it is a season. TV and print ads will have specials on candy and costumes, if they haven’t already.

With the arrival of September and Labor Day, the major league baseball season is coming to a close. In Chicago, September usually meant the season was over because both the Cubs and White Sox were well out of contention.

Not this year. Even after losing a weekend series to the Dodgers, the Cubs were 82-48 on Tuesday with a 13-game lead over their closest rivals in the National League Central, the St. Louis Cardinals. Even though some cracks have appeared in the Cub armor, they will win the division title and should be a force in the NL playoffs.

The White Sox, at any rate, guaranteed or not, are mediocre. They are not terrible, but they are also not that good. They took three out of four from Seattle this past weekend but lost a 4-3 heartbreaker to Detroit on Monday. They were 63-67 as of Tuesday and in fourth place in the American League Central. Injuries and a lack of a consistent offensive derailed the Sox.

One more thing used to remind me of Labor Day. For many years, the Jerry Lewis Telethon would be televised beginning on Sunday and through most of Labor Day. It was covered by stations throughout the country and was shown locally on WGN-TV (Channel 9). It was for a great cause, raising money for research to find cures for adults and children who have muscular dystrophy.

I would watch portions of the show from the 1970s through the early 2000s. Where else can you see Norm Crosby, Ann Miller, Joey Heatherton, Lola Falana and even once Dean Martin? Heck, even John Lennon and Yoko Ono appeared and sang on the telethon.

But times change. The organizers managed to steer Lewis away from the telethon a few years ago. And due to social media, websites, fundraisers and other events, the telethon is a thing of the past. They can raise more money by not filling up air time and save on costs.

Labor Day has changed in that regard. I say enjoy your day off and get the grill ready.

It seems to me the print ads and TV advertisements for “Back to School” promotions are seen earlier every year. Many local students completed the school year at the end of May. But there were already ads for school in July.

From the standpoint of a kid, I would find that kind of depressing. But just last week as I drove to work, I saw kids walking to school. Yellow school buses were picking up students. Again, I don’t think I could get that excited about going to school when the weather was around 92 degrees with the usual Chicago-style humidity.

If I were going to school today that would mean I would be in a classroom for my birthday. That would have been unheard of during my days at school. Being born late in August, I was still assured of having a least another week of summer vacation. Now I would be sitting in a classroom on most likely a hot summer day.

Not only that, but I would have probably started school as early as Aug. 15. My line of thinking means that these kids will miss out on some days lounging at a local pool or going downtown to see some of our local sights.

I attended a Chicago Public School when I was very young. I don’t remember getting out of school in the middle of June. My parents had me transferred to a Catholic grade school (St. John De La Salle and later St. Margaret of Scotland in Chicago) and I would complete the school year the first week of June. Believe me, at that point I had one foot out the door looking forward to a summer of baseball, hanging out with friends, and some summer vacations with my family.

The days were becoming a little warmer as well. That was enough to make me eager to close my text books and spend some leisurely summer days to myself. Those three months seemed like an eternity to me now. Back then, I probably didn’t think it was long enough.

I viewed teachers as tortured souls who enjoyed sitting in classrooms all day. Now that I have gotten older and have talked to teachers, I found out that they were no different than me as a kid. Many of them are eager for some time off of the daily schedule of trying to teach young minds, give tests and quizzes, pass out homework assignments and grade papers and tests.

I guess I did not view teachers as human. They are no different than us. Now that I’m older, I look at teaching as a rewarding profession. I respect what they do for a living. Not all teachers work in the greatest environments so they deserve respect. The majority of teachers I have met enjoy what they do and pride themselves on igniting a flame that makes students become more curious and grasp the importance of knowledge.

I can’t say that flame was always on for me. My mind often drifted. But I always did well enough because I enjoyed reading. Eventually I finally got it. A good education can provide more options for kids. That is one thing that has not changed.

Some schools still do start the day after Labor Day. Chicago Public School students will arrive to school that day, unless there is a teacher’s strike. Back when I went to school, everybody started in September after Labor Day.

First of all, it was just practical. The weather is significantly different in September. The nights are cooler and the days are becoming shorter. We can experience hot days in September and even October. But the nights will always be cooler.

We did not have central air-conditioning in schools during those days. We did not even have portable air conditioners. Beginning school in August just seemed unnatural to us. Yes, some kids had to go to summer school. But we figured that was part of their punishment. A lot of fans would get a workout at these schools.

But times change and students are required to be in school a certain amount of days. Schools begin sooner due to a number of reasons. In the Chicago area, that could mean our unpredictable weather patterns. We had a relatively mild winter last year but that doesn’t mean we will be that lucky this time around. Days off due to winter snowstorms will mean that kids will have to go to school longer at the end of the year.

But I still believe kids go back to school too early. I think kids should be allowed to enjoy a full summer. Of course, some parents may have a different opinion.

This exhaustion could possibly stem from giving heaping portions of myself to individuals that haven’t shown any gratitude. “You’re being taken advantage of,” said one family member. “Ya just working yourself into a frenzy -- learn how to say NO!”

While that may have been true in a few prior instances, it’s not common. I’m not naïve when it comes to discerning the intentions of others. Nevertheless, there are instances where we’re supposed to stretch ourselves for the sake of our fellow brethren. The 25th book of Matthew says, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

This is the doctrine I follow. Many of the miracles of Christ are carried out by ordinary folks who have a heart to hear the cries of the people. Some recipients will show gratitude and some will not. Those familiar with their Bible may have read the story of Jesus healing 10 men with leprosy and of them, a measly one of them rascals came back to say thank you.

Don’t we all appreciate hearing the ole’ ‘Atta girl! Thanks for all you’ve done’? Well, if it doesn’t get said you’re probably dealing with a descendant of the nine lepers who took their gift of healing and never looked back. That typically happens among those with a sense of entitlement. You could slave away on their behalf without a single acknowledgement because in their mind, either you or society owes them.

I have pity for any individual or organization holding true to this sentiment. When they over-utilize and take people for granted they’re inviting reciprocity in the same measure. However, we’re not helpless in these matters. We always have a choice. We’re not required to oblige every request that comes in our direction. No one should say yes to everything another person asks, especially if we’re being inconvenienced. People who know their value won’t allow unreasonable demands of others to impose on their lives.

It is an illogical thought to believe you will lose the approval of everyone you say no to. In actuality, you may gain their respect. It’s perfectly OK to communicate your wishes and establish boundaries. An example I like to share is when people used to ask me if they could borrow money. I’m not a bank and don’t make it my practice to lend money due to several prior promises-to-pay that defaulted. I stopped these said lending requests by saying, “I’m not in a position to ‘lend’ you $500, but I can give you $50 as a gift.” In this scenario I was offering help without risking a violation of trust if the loan wasn’t repaid. Using this method pretty much ceased these requests altogether.

That dam is dry!

However, some people can be aggressive. If their flattery fails, they may attempt to use manipulation to get what they want out of you. If and when this occurs honor yourself by communicating your needs and feelings clearly. No one should be made to feel guilty about denying a request they can’t accommodate. You can be assertive without being aggressive. Speak the truth in love. If you don’t do well with conflict, seek out a trusted friend or colleague to be a mediator.

Not everyone will take offense.

Discussing areas of concern often brings resolution. Sometimes you’re suffering silently for prolonged periods of time merely because it’s never been addressed. Speak up for yourself and your situation could change in an instant.

When you find yourself weary because you’ve been pouring into others, let it be because your heart has prompted you to do so. Even when it’s laborious, it’s worth it because you have a sense of fulfillment in knowing it was God’s leading. Galatians 6:9 tells says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”